Swedish hybrid-electric aircraft developer Heart Aerospace plans to conduct the first fully electric experimental flight of its demonstrator airplane, Heart Experimental 1 (Heart X1) at New York's Plattsburgh International Airport in 2025.
The first flight test will mark an important step in the development of the company's 30-seat hybrid-electric regional passenger aircraft, the ES-30. The aircraft is set to have a zero-emissions range of 200 kilometres. The initial test flight will validate the capabilities of Heart's electric propulsion technology.
“Electric commercial airplanes have the potential to lower operating costs for US airlines, creating a powerful opportunity to re-establish regional air routes that stimulate local economies, boost tourism, and enhance access to urban hubs,” said Heart Aerospace cofounder and CEO Anders Forslund.
The Heart X1 aircraft is undergoing extensive tests of critical systems to ensure a safe and successful test flight early next year.